







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| But for how many people? | |
| I really don't want to see her again! | |
| That's nice, I like the music and the lyrics. | |
| Exactly, so do you think snails are bugs or not? | |
| Hello there, are you Cate? | |
| There is nothing much left to do, there are only bits and pieces. | |
| I didn't say it's your fault, but it's your turn now... | |
| I feel a bit tired and very hungry. | |
| How long does the flight usually take? | |
| Do you want to bet on it? | |
| Do you have any area in mind? | |
| Yeah, our room has only got one window! | |
| I'm really sorry to hear that, mate! | |
| Erm.. Isn't it there? | |
| Oh, sorry, I also need a grater for the cheese. | |
| Cate, are you okay? You seem a little bit aggressive. | |
| And on the ground floor we have easy access to the garden. | |
| Let's calculate, I pay 135 per week for one person... | |
| Bear's sitting here with me, his willy is out. | |
| I can't believe you still don't get it! | |